Helena Meirelles

Origin

Nova Andradina, MS

Years Active

1940–2005

Genres

música caipira, música regional, instrumental

Instruments

viola caipira, viola de 6 cordas, viola de 8 cordas, viola de 10 cordas, viola de 12 cordas

Biography

Helena Meirelles was born in Bataguassu, Mato Grosso do Sul, and grew up immersed in the world of cattle drovers and expeditions, developing a deep passion for the viola caipira. Although her family disapproved of her playing the instrument, Helena learned in secret and soon began performing in local bars and parties, leading a nomadic life and defying the conventions of the time.

After decades away from major centers and living anonymously, she was rediscovered by the media in the 1990s, when her mastery of the 6, 8, 10, and 12-string violas caught the attention of the American magazine Guitar Player. This international exposure led her to perform in theaters for the first time in her maturity, recording essential albums for the preservation of root music and Pantanal culture alongside prominent instrumental viola players.

Her artistic contribution and virtuosity established her as one of the great icons of Brazilian caipira music, immortalized in specialized publications and honored with biographical films and museums in her homeland. The viola player passed away in 2005, leaving an indelible legacy that dialogues with the tradition of root sertaneja music exponents like Almir Sater.

Discography

• Helena Meirelles (1994)
• Helena Meirelles (A Grande Dama da Viola) (1994)
• Flor da Guavira (1996)
• Raiz Pantaneira (1997)
• Ao Vivo, de Volta ao Pantanal (2002)